What is cangaceito?

Cangaceito is a term used to describe a group of young boys who were associated with the cangaceiros or bandits in Northeastern Brazil in the early 20th century. These boys were often used as lookouts or messengers for the cangaceiros and were sometimes trained as fighters.

The cangaceitos were often orphans or from poor families and saw joining the group as a way to earn money and gain status. They were known for their bravery and loyalty to their leaders, often risking their own lives to protect them.

Despite their involvement in criminal activities, the cangaceitos were romanticized in Brazilian folklore and literature as symbolizing the struggle of the oppressed against the powerful. Today, their legacy is celebrated in popular culture, including through music, literature, and film.